by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Representatives from the National Football League were in town last weekend for the Florida-Georgia game. However, according to the Super Bowl Host Committee, the NFL wasn’t just interested in watching a good game. They were here to see how see how Jacksonville, and Alltel Stadium in particular, can function at full capacity.
According to Michael Kelly, Host Committee president and COO, NFL Senior Vice President of Special Events Jim Steeg and coordinating architect for 2005 game Jerry Anderson were among those who made the trip.
“[The NFL] is going to be making several more trips like this one, but this was really the best opportunity for them to witness a large scale special event that isn’t entirely unlike the Super Bowl,” said Kelly. “I think It was helpful for them to see Jacksonville in that kind of mode.”
In preparing for the trip, Kelly said the NFL requested very little special treatment, opting to remain “under the radar,” while in Jacksonville.
“I believe they wanted to experience what might happen in Jacksonville the way everyone else will,” he said. “They wanted their visit to be as close to ‘real life’ as possible.”
Several NFL officials were guests at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and walked to the game Saturday like thousands of others.
Among the main area of interest for the NFL was the temporary seating set up for the crowds. Following the game, Kelly said representatives were “impressed” with the arrangement and cited no specific concerns or suggestions.
“They were generally pleased with the quality of seating for the game and how well it worked out for us,” said Kelly. “But the actual set-up may be little different from the way they’ll chose stage it for the Super Bowl.”
Kelly added the NFL also took time to observe the tailgating patterns and parking accommodations in the areas surrounding the stadium.
In the future, the NFL is expected to continue to collaborate with the Florida Department of Transportation — the two entities did not meet on this particular visit — in an effort to assess traffic routes and possible bottlenecks throughout the City.
According to Kelly, this and every subsequent visit made by the NFL would, “all be a part of the learning curve,” needed to execute the Super Bowl properly in such a comparatively smaller market.
“With each trip, especially after the game in Houston, they’ll get a much better idea of what we can handle and what adjustments will have to be made to fit in with their plan,” he said.